Association’s new crest unveiled

12th July 2018

“Oohs” and warm applause from members greeted the unveiling of the Association’s new crest at Conference this May.

Pictured, our new official symbol shows the eagle and globe, topped with the Queen’s crown, and over the Latin motto: non nobis sed vobis (not for ourselves alone). Its design follows the style of the RAF’s squadron crests.

Following its creation by the Royal College of Arms, the new crest was approved by Her Majesty The Queen, Patron of the Association, before being formally presented to the Association by the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal Sir Stephen Hillier on 1 April 2018.

First reactions from delegates were warm. Warrant Officer Steve Guppy, Service Community Support Officer at RAF Benson and Chair of the Oxford and District Branch said: “It’s good to see. It’s been a long time coming. In the centre is the heritage of the organisation, but this brings it now in line and formalises it as a recognised crest.”

A staged roll out of the crest will now start, replacing the old eagle and globe on printed materials and merchandise as they run out. The electronic changeover has already started, for example on the Association website. Merchandise has already been ordered and items such as ties and lapel pins will start to be stocked from late summer onwards. Versions of the crest will be uploaded to rafa.org.uk/promotion to allow branches to download and use it.

The Royal College of Arms has been creating and keeping official registers of coats of arms since 1484, and advising central and local government, corporate bodies and private individuals on all aspects of heraldry, flags and national ceremonial issues.